Foraging bears

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Hang onto your hats, coolers, bird feeders and trash cans as this is the time of year when bears start their annual trek to the cities and cabins near the National Forests. In preparation for winter hibernation, they will go to any extreme to get more calories into their diet.

The recent rains should help alleviate some of their hunger as berries and other food they depend on become more available. However, due to a rising bear population, local Wildlife Officials are already receiving reports of bear depredation.

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Mushrooms in surrounding mountains

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This time of year brings one of the area’s great bounties: wild mushrooms. The summer monsoons soften the forest floor and mushrooms appear destined for gourmet-caliber dinners.

While many varieties grow in our area, some are edible and delicious; others are poisonous. To be safe, there are several classes offered every year from local Visitor’s Centers. As people who attended last weekend’s Mushroom Foray in South Fork will attest, these classes are a good opportunity for classroom instruction plus a field trip for collection and identification of the different varieties of mushrooms found nearby.

Personally, to limit the risk of getting sick, I only pick four different types for consumption: King Bolete, Hawks Wing, Shaggy Mane and the Chanterelle. All of these exhibit a different flavor and deliver a unique experience to your palette. 

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